Urumqi to host 2026 SCO Digital Economy Forum in September

The forum is expected to bring together some 500 participants, including government officials, think tank experts, business leaders, academics and industry association representatives from SCO member states. Among them, more than 200 are international delegates, according to the National Data Administration (NDA).

The forum will include a ministerial-level closed-door meeting, an opening ceremony and plenary session, four thematic sub-forums, and a series of side events, said Yu Ying, deputy head of the NDA.

During the ministerial session, participants will focus on strengthening intergovernmental dialogue and practical cooperation, and are expected to draw up a priority cooperation agenda for the SCO digital economy (2026-2027) to guide joint efforts in the coming years.

The four thematic forums will cover digital connectivity, digital trade and corridor economy, digital-intelligent industry applications, as well as digital governance and capacity building.

To facilitate tangible outcomes, the forum will also feature an interactive exhibition, business matchmaking sessions, and field visits to local projects and enterprises.

Digital economy cooperation has become a key priority on the SCO agenda in recent years. At the SCO Tianjin Summit in September 2025, heads of member states adopted a statement on strengthening digital economic development, committing to deeper collaboration in formulating international rules and standards for data security, advancing digital infrastructure development, and improving the delivery of public services.

Earlier, it was reported that Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of Kazakhstan Arman Issagaliyev met on Tuesday with Kyrgyz Ambassador Kudaibergen Bazarbayev. The sides discussed preparations for the upcoming Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Summit, to be held in Bishkek on September 1 this year.